When I first began reading this novel, I had no idea what I was letting myself in for. What on earth would I find interesting about a novel that has very little dialogue and whose main character is a young man who wishes to become a tattooist? What a surprise. In honesty, not an easy book to read but the author evokes such beautiful imagery using words in the way only a gifted writer can. We follow the life of Cyril Parks, known to all as Cy and meet the important people in his life - from Morecambe to to Coney Island, New York. We journey with him through life, learning the tricks of an art, at times, both brutal and beautiful.
